Electrical bond



lgatented Apr. 20, 1926.

UNITED STATES PATENT QFFEQE.

GEORGE W. CONRAD, or sr. BENNDIOT, PENNSYLVANIA, nssreNoR To REMBRANDT PEALE, OF NEW YORK, N. Y. v-

ELEOTRIOAL BOND.

Application filed April 16, 192D. Serial No. 374,434.

To all y207mm,y t m 0,1/ concern:

Be it known that I, Gnonon W. CONRAD, a citizen of the United States, residing in St. Benedict, in the county of Cambria and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certainnew and useful Improvements in Electrical Bonds, of Which the following is a specification.

The invention relates to traclr equipment devices for electrical traction, and more particiillarly to electrical railway track bonds, although in certain of its aspects the invention is applicable to other uses in electrical conduction equipment.

Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part hereinafter and in part Will be obvious hercfrom, Or may be learned by p "actice With the invention; the same being realized and attained by and through the instrmnentalities vpointed out in the appended claims.

The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described.

The accompanying drawings referred to. herein and constituting a part hereof, illustrate one eiiibodimentvof theiinvention, and togetheivvith thedescriptionservegto eX nplain the principles of theinvention.

tivo abutting '.rail ends,shovving the` bond have their ends in close abutment, and are shown connected together by a usual form of joint, suoli as fish plates 3 and Ll and bolts 5, G, 7 and 8, passing through the fish plates and the Webof the rail. The present invention may be employed with other forms of rails and conductors as Well.

In accordance with certain features of the invent-ion cooperating bonding mem bers are provided which are easily and rapidly assembled, Without soldering or welding, Which have high eflicieiicy contact, and which are easily and quickly removable as Well as having other advantages. As embodied, bonding members preferably of high conductivity connect adjacentrails and are pressed thereagainst With great pressure. The bonding members also are preferably unattaclied, effecting their electrical connecting function by contact and pressure, and preferably each bond comprises a plurality of members of high conductivity, separatefrom but engaging each other by contact and under great pressure, preferably by screw; threaded pressure devices, to forni an elticient electrical connection. f Y Referring` inv detail,to,,saidembodiment,

,itcoiiiprises arodor like connectionl of copbushing. v

Fig. is Ia vertical section througlitlie l,

rail, showing most Offtliegbondi connections inv elevation in position in the rail Y,

3 ris a detail of the bolt Whichpasses through the rail; l

Fig. l is a` perspective d'etail Ofi the bolt Aof Fig. 3 slioiving'the bondivire in position inthe boltg` l. A y .4 Fig. 5 is a ,detailofvone side of the contact bearing block;

,; Fig. 64 is a detaily of the of the block shown f5;` i t ,y

Fig. 7 is an edgedetail of the block shown iiiFigs. -and 6;. i y l Figi@ is a side detail of the bushingivhich surrounds the bolt Vivithinthe rail; andm v Fig. 9 is a? top detaillofthe bushingshovvn ,Referring in detaill to theeinbodiinent-of per, or other high', conduction :metal and in contact therewith fa bushing, also preferably of high conduction inaterial,-1i ra'ssiiigfthrough each g rail and a.Y boltpassing y' through.; each i The rod or Wire l2y isof sufficient thick- -ness and vhardness i, to stand greaty pressure Without i shearing, and ,each-bushingq 205 is shapedr at kvitscOntacting end preferablyto ,have extended' and; closecontact Withfthe rod; Alsoas embodiedr and inl-accordance VW/1th' certainfeatures of the invention, the

rod =is' supported by ythe bolts, the fbolts passing through the v bushings 'in the` rails.

In, accordance avith one feature ojf the z-invention also, a pressure member isv provided "i extendedI surface4 llzypressure Contact ,'vvith inanent electricaljc'ontact at -all joints. y i .f These variousl features of; thef'invention,

together with others -not yet referred Cto #but later to jbe .pointed y:out herein, `may. all A.be used together in combination, or certain of havingia dentated, that is, amulti-toothed 100. ,or multi-.pointed surface, Which-us pressed yfirmly againsththej rail and-having also an Y.some part., ofthe 1high conducttionebend, thereby insuring good-,and 'e'licientand per- 105 said features may be Y i'iployed without the others.

Referring now in detail to the cons ructicn of the embodiment illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, an inter-rail bond member 12 is provided, preferably of some high conduction metal such as copper, and this inter-rail bond meinber is likewise preferably of such size and i hardness as to satisfactorily meet all service conditions, such for example as minimum electrical resistance and strength to resist shearing under pressure. The inter-rail bond or rod 12 has suitable connection to the rails at either end, and in the present preferred embodiment it passes through an orifice 18, in an enlargement le formed on a bolt 1.6 just beneath the head 15 thereof. Belt 1G passes through a hole in the web 1? of the. track rail. or other electrical conducting rail or like member. lhe device as further described employed at each end of the bond 12, but a single description will suffice for both devices.

As previously stated, and in accordance with one feature of the invention, it is preferred to bring the high conduction metal bond into direct contact with the rail, and this is preferably effected by employing in addition a bushing 20, of copier or other suitable metal, the bushing encircling the bolt 16 and having a relatively extended surface in engagement with the bond or rod 12. The rod 12 and bushings 2O are preferably separate but are subjected to great pressure contact with reference to each other to insure low resistance and encient conductivity. This construction also conduces to economy in replacing, the entire device may be disassociated and reassembled without being destroyed, or the parts thereof in any wise distorted or impaired. In the embodied form of the bushing 20, it has a hollow cylindrical stem part .21 encircling the bolt 1li and passing through the rail. Bushing 20 is provided with two laterally and oppositely extending wings 22 and 23, which on their outer surfaces are shaped to conform to the bond 12. `The bond 12 is shown herein of cylindrical form, and the wings and 23 are correspondingly internally shaped, to receive and press closely and firmly against the cylindrical rod 12 for a. considerable distance therealong at either side of the bolt 16.

ln accordance with one feature of the invention, as already indicated, and as at presein" preferred, a pressure block or member 2G is provided for supporting or backing the wings 22 and 23 of the bushing 2O and serving to press them .firmly throughout their length against a rod 12. F or this purpose the corresponding surface 27 ofthe pressure member 26 has recesses 28 and 29 formed therein of a shape or configuration conforming closely or intimately to the back faces of the wings`22 or 23, se that the wings may lie in the recesses, be firmly and adequately supported thereby, and be firmly pressed against the .rod 12. The present preferred shape of the wings and of the corresponding recesses in the block will be seen from Figs. l, 6, 8 and 9.

The wings 22 and of bushing 20, and the corresponding seats therefor in the pressure block 2G are preferably curved downwardly toward the bushing (as will be seen from Figs. 1 and S) and the undersidey of the bolt head 15 is similarly cylindrically grooved in` a corresponding` longitudinal cu ve to lit closely the top of the cylindrical rod 12 as shown at 11. rllhis permits a curving or flexure of rod 12 underthe pressure of the bolt, thereby rendering more close and extensive conducting contact between the various conducting members.

To further insure or increase the contact surface of the entire device, the opposite face of the block 26, that is, the surface thereof which is in engagement with the track rail or the like is dentated,vthat is, it is provided with a large number of teeth or sharp points which are pressed against the surface of the rail by the bolt pressure, and which are possibly more or less upset thcreagainst, thereby insuring close and permanent contact despite unevenness in the surface of the rail, and which also act as a preventive to the encroachinents or interposition of rust. This dentated surface will be clear from Figs. 1, 2 and 5. Thus there is likewise provided close., firm and efficient electrical contact from the rod 12 through the bushing wings 22 and 28, and the pressure block 26, tothe rails 1 and 2.

To insure the bolt 16 being screwed up tight while exerting powerful pressure upon the'parts already described, the side 27 of block 2G is cut away at 33 to receive the enlargement ltof the bolt with suliicient clearance that tie pressure of the bolt head will come directly upon the bond 12, the bushing 2U and the pressure block 26. rlhe nut 30 is' screwed on bolt 16 ant a spring washer 31 or other locking means may be provided.

lhe block 26 is also shaped to fit snugly beneath or against the under side of the ball or tread of the rail and at the same time to fit. snugly over the upper part or surface of the flange of the rail, as is best shown in Fig. 2, and is thereby wedged or fastened against any turning movement. The bond is thereby insured or fortified against loosening from any movement of the track, or relative movement of the abutting rail ends due to vibration, or to loose. joints, or from other causes, as there can be no turning or loosening or shearing movement of the bond mechanism with the relative movement of the rail ends, due to this close-litting or ll l) llO wedged in position ot the respectivo blocks 2t with both the rails at and adjacent to their joint.

By the construction described, any shearing oi1 the bond or high conduction elements or constituents thereof from the screwing down or tightening ot nut 80, or otherwise is prevented. By screwing up the nut only a crushing strain 'from both sides is put on rod 12 and the wings or ilanges 22 and 23 ot' bushing 20, thereby increasing or improving the contact without danger ot disarranging or disrupting the parts. rilhese advantages are gained while preserving the ease and rapidity ot' dis-assembling, together with preservation of the bond intact and uninjured for reassembling.

The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the details of construction and arrangement shown and described, but changes may be made therein within the scopo ol' the accompanying claims without departing from the principles ot' the invention and without sacrilicing its chief advantages.

What 1 claim is 1. ln combination with abutting rail ends having bolt holes therein, an electric track bond comprising bolts` apertured just beneath their heads and a rail connecting electrically conductive rod passing through the apertures in the bolt heads and bushings surrounding the bolt-s within the rails and having flared protruding ends partly encircling said rod.

i2. 1n combination with abutting track rail ends having bolt apertures therethrough, et the bolts passing through the apertures, a

bushing ot hiehl conductive material about each bolt and within the aperture and havin@l an enlarged laterally extending end, a member interposed between said end and the side ot the rail, the bolt head pressing said enlarged end against said member and said member against the rail, and a bond of highly conductive metal connecting the bolts and pressed by the bolt into close Contact with said enlarged end.

3. 1n combination with abutting track ruil ends, having bolt apertures therethrough, of the bolts passing through the apertures, a bushing ot' highly conductive material about each bolt and within the aperture and having an enlarged laterally extending end, a member interposed between said end and the side of the rail and having points pressing closely against the rail, the bolt head pressing said enlarged end against said member and said member against the rail, and a bond otl highly conductive metal connecting the bolts and pressed by the bolt into close contact with said enlarged end.

fl. ln combination with abutting track rail ends having bolt apertures therethrough, of the bolts passing through the apertures,

a bushing of highly conductive material about each bolt and within the aperture and having an enlarged laterally extending end, a member shaped on its exterior Jface to receive the enlarged end of the bushing interposed between said end and the side of the rail, the bolt head pressing said enlarged end against said member and said member against the rail, and a bond oft highly conductive netal connecting the bolts and pressed by the bolt into close contact with said enlarged end.

5. ln combination -with abutting track rail en ds having bolt apertures therethrough, ot' the bolts pas ing through the apertures, a bushing ot highly conductive material about each bolt and within the aperture and having an open., flared end, a member interposed between said end and the rail, the bolt head pressing said open, flared end against l said member and said member against the rail, and a bond ot highly conductive metal connecting the bolts and pressed by the bolt into close contact with said open, tlared end.

G. 1n combination with abutting track rail ends having bolt apertures therethrough, ot the bolts passing through the apertures, a bushing of highly conductive material about each bolt and within the aperture and having an open, flared end, a member shaped on its exterior tace to receive the open, flared end of the bushing interposed between said end and the rail, the bolt head pressing said open, flared end against said member and said member against the rail, and a bond of highly conductive metal connecting the bolts and pressed'by the bolt into close contact with said open, flared end.

7. ln combination with abutting track rail ends having bolt apertures therethrough, ot the bolts passing through the apertures, the bolts having holes therethrough closely adjacent to their heads, a bushing ot highly conductive material about each bolt and within the aperture and having an enlarged laterally extending end, a member interposed between said end and the side of the rail, the bolt head pressing said enlarged end against said member and said member against the side oit the rail, and a bond ot highly conductive vmetal passing through the holes in the bolts, connecting the bolts and pressed by the bolt into close contact with saidenlarged end. l

8. 1n combination with abutting track rail ends having bolt apertures therethrough, of the bolts passing through the apertures, the bolts having holes therethrough closely adjacent to their heads, aL bushing of highly conductive material about each bolt and within the aperture and having an enlarged laterally extending end, a member shaped on its exterior tace to receive the enlarged end of the bushing interposed between said end and the side of the rail, the bolt head pressing said enlarged end against said member and said member against the side ot the rail, and a bond of highly conductive metal passing through the holes in the bolts, connecting the bolts and pressed by the bolt into close Contact with said enlarged end.

9. ln combination With abutting trank rail ends having bolt apertures therethrough, of the bolts passing through the apertures, the bolts having holes therethrough Closely adjacent to their heads, a bushing of highly conductive material about eaeh bolt and Within the aperture and having an open, flared end, a member interposed between said end and the rail, the boltl head pressing said open, flared end against said member and said member against the rail, and a bond ot highly conductive metal passing through the holes in the bolts, Connectng the bolts and pressed by the bolt into 'lose Contact with said open, flared end.

lO. A rail bond comprising in combination a bolt with an apertured head, a bushing surrounding the bolt and provided with laterally and oppositely extending arms, a rod` passing through the aperture in the bolt head and bearing against said arms, said bolt extending out over said arms, and a nut for drawing the rod into intimate contact with the bolt head and the said arms.

ll. A rail bond Comprising in combina. tion a bolt With an apertured head, a` pressure bloei; arranged around the bolt and between the head ot the bolt and the rail, having a dentated tace bearing against the side ot the rail, a rod oit highly Conductive material passing through the: aperture in the bolt head, and a nut for the bolt bearing against the opposite side ot the rail, for

pressing the rod into intimate Contact with the bolt head and with the pressure block, and tor pressing the dentated tace o the pressure bloelr into biting Contact with the side ot the rail.

l2. A rail bond comprising in combination a bolt with an apertured head, a pressure bloolr arranged between the head ot the bolt and the side of the rail, a bushing surrounding the bolt and having laterally er 'ending arms resting on the pressure block, a rod of highly conductive metal passing through the aperture in the bolt head and bearing against said arms, and a nut bearing against the other side of the rail tor pressing the rod into intimate contact with the bolt head and said arms, and for pressing the pressure block into intimate Contact with the rod and With the side ot the rail.

13. A rail bond Comprising in Combination a bolt with an apertured head, a pressure blo-el; arranged around the bolt and having a dentated tace bearing against the side of the rail, a bushing around the bolt, and provided with laterally extending arms extending over the pressure block, a rod ot highly conductive inet-al passing through the aperture in the bolt head and bearing on said arms, and nut bearing against the other side. ot' the rai for pressing the rod into intimate Contact with the bolt head and said arms, and for pressing the pressure block into intima-te Contact With said arms and its dentated tace into biting conta-ot with the side of the rail.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this speoilioation.

GEORGE lV. CONRAD. 

